Kit and equipment:
Softball, like many sports requires certain items of equipment for the game to be played. You will be familiar with items such as balls and bases which the club supply, however below we have listed those essential or extra items you need to be top of the table.
GLOVES
Essential! Although the game is called softball. The ball aint soft! you must have a glove to catch the ball. Gloves are worn on your left han if right handed and vis versa. Made of leather gloves have fingers and a basket in which the ball should be caught.
Gloves come in a vairety of sizes. The further out in the fireld you are - traditionally the larger the glove you should have. Gloves when first bought can be very stiff so it is important you rub special oil into the glove and store it with a ball inside the basket with elastic bands around.
BAT
Without bats we would have no game! Sizing is pretty much standard, weight causes a debate to figure out - to a point - with the weights of 26 ounce, 27 Ounce, 28 ounce and 30 ounce being the most readily available in almost all models. Here is where the choices become a little more difficult.
Some players at a professional level that believe a lighter bat will increase bat speed (usually a lot of strength involved). Resulting in the ball going further when you hit it. I know some individuals who swear using a heavier bat helps them achieve a faster bat speed (using the laws of inertia - heavier object propelled at speed will go faster then lighter object) 
The best advice we can offer here is Men should not use bats higher then 28 Ounces. Women should not use bats higher then 26 Ounces. Anything heavier results in bat speed slowing down and you not acheiving the maximum power you can! It depends on your strength and comfort zone.
Try out the different club bats before purchasing your own. There are very strict rules about bats that are legal to use in games and competitions. A full list of banned bats can be found on the British Association of Softball Umpires website.
As your experience grows you can also use the following items to help improve your game
BATTING GLOVES
Sometimes when you bat you may feel the vibration of ball on bat, you may get nervous and have sweaty palms. Batting gloves give that extra layer of skin providing you with enhanced grip and more protection. Some players wear one glove on the lower grip hand only.
CLEATS
Cleats are very similar to plastice stud or astro turf football boots. In softball we do not wear metal studs. If you do you will be banned from playing. Cleats provide runners with extragrip when running the bases
The club currently have a selection of mitts and batting gloves direct from the U.S.A for purchase. Mitts are £30 each and batting gloves £10 a pair. Stocks are limited and will sell out. Order now
The new kit for 2007 is launched. T-Shirts come in long and short sleeve costing £10 per item. We also have caps - perfect for keeing the summer sun at bay. We have limited supplies left after an astounding response to the launch. Order your kit now by contacting the marketing manager now.
